In the heart of the thermal spa park, a new, curved canopy made of a steel structure with a translucent membrane covering spans a modern, multifunctional event venue that replaces the former Teatro Magnolia.

It accommodates up to 600 visitors and serves as a central location for concerts, cultural programs, and events.

The membrane covering was developed as an integral system of geometry, prestressing, and support through a collaboration between Canobbio and formTL.

The design process was supported by numerical calculations and accompanying tests. The cutting pattern geometry of the membrane is derived from a smoothed reference surface, while the final spatial form emerges only through the interaction of material behaviour and elastic deformation at the nodes. This interplay between design, structure, and material was computationally verified prior to the final definition of the cutting patterns.

formTL
Membrane design and geometry optimization of the space frame

General Planner
Incide Engineering

Photos 1 – 5
Incide Engineering

Graphics
formTL

65 m length, 37 m width, 11.8 m height

Covered area
1800 m²

Membrane area
2040 m²

PVC-PES Ferrari 1002 S2